Kikar HaShabbat in English

IDF Kills Hamas Battalion Commander in Southern Gaza Airstrike

The IDF killed Hamas battalion commander Khadifa Kawara in a southern Gaza airstrike, citing his role in militant training and terror activities.

New Jersey Man Admits $47 Million Fraud Targeting Local Haredi Community

Moses Establishes Cities of Refuge and Reveals Hidden Spiritual Connection to Egyptian Killer

Moses commanded the establishment of cities of refuge in Israel to protect unintentional killers, linking this act to his personal spiritual journey. The three eastern cities of refuge were prepared with special roads and signs. Mystical teachings reveal Moses’ killing of an Egyptian was a reincarnation-related rectification, and the refuge cities allowed him to atone, prompting his joyous song.

Motorcyclist Sustains Minor Injuries in Jerusalem Vehicle Collision

A motorcyclist in his 30s was lightly injured in a collision with a car on Haim Bar Lev Boulevard in Jerusalem and received medical care from United Hatzalah.

14-Year-Old Girl Severely Injured in Mixer Accident During Shabbat Preparations in Bnei Brak

A 14-year-old girl in Bnei Brak lost fingers after accidentally putting her hand in a mixer while preparing challah dough. Emergency responders treated her and rushed her to Sheba Medical Center for surgery to save her fingers.

Israeli Government Conditions Ultra-Orthodox School Funding on Full Core Curriculum Compliance

The Israeli government requires ultra-Orthodox schools to fully implement the official core curriculum and meet oversight conditions to continue receiving state funding, effective immediately.

Independent Education Network Launches Program to Elevate Torah Learners Amid Draft Controversy

The Independent Education Network, led by Rabbi Eliezer Sorotzkin, is launching a new program called "Elevating Torah Learners" to enhance respect for Torah students amid public controversy over their military draft exemption. The initiative includes educational and social activities and follows recent legal and financial challenges faced by the network's schools.

Yoaz Hendel Demands Zionist-Only Government, Rejects Ultra-Orthodox and Arab Parties

Yoaz Hendel, leader of the Reservists' Party, demands a Zionist-only government excluding ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, warns Israel risks fragmentation otherwise, and calls for Netanyahu's resignation. He opposes a coalition formed solely to oust Netanyahu, stressing the need for a government based on shared Zionist values and universal conscription.

Eight-Year-Old Boy Suffers Cardiac Arrest at Home in Jerusalem's Pisgat Ze'ev, Hospitalized in Serious Condition

An eight-year-old boy in Jerusalem's Pisgat Ze'ev collapsed suddenly at home and was resuscitated by emergency teams before being hospitalized in serious condition.

Beit Matityahu Yeshiva Opens Elul Study Period with Special Lecture and Mezuzah Ceremony

Beit Matityahu Yeshiva marked the start of the Elul study period with a special lecture on Bava Kama by Rabbi Tzvi Weisbach and a mezuzah dedication ceremony for new facilities.

Rabbi Elimelech Biderman Shares Daily Tehillim Psalms for Elul Month Strengthening

Rabbi Elimelech Biderman advises reciting specific Psalms daily in Elul to nullify harsh heavenly decrees and strengthen spiritually.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Says Israeli Strikes Will End If Hezbollah Disarms

The US Ambassador to Lebanon said Israeli strikes will end if Hezbollah hands over its weapons, linking peace to disarmament.

Darg Hasidim Move to Emmanuel After 30 Years in Bnei Brak; Rebbe Visits Community

The Darg Hasidic community has relocated families from Bnei Brak to Emmanuel in the West Bank for the first time in over 30 years. The Darg Rebbe visited Emmanuel to support the new community, leading prayers and touring the city.

Israeli Mother and Daughter Disappear in Vienna, Police Investigate All Leads

Israeli MKs Resign From Parties But Retain Seats and Salaries Until Elections

Several Israeli Knesset members have left their parties or formed new ones but continue to serve and receive salaries until the upcoming elections, raising public debate about the appropriateness of retaining their seats. Some have resigned from the Knesset, while others remain in office despite no longer representing their original parties. The issue highlights questions about political mandates and representation ahead of the elections.

Likud Faces Ethiopian Community Representation Crisis as MK Tsega Melaku Withdraws from Primaries

MK Tsega Melaku withdrew from the Likud primaries, leaving the Ethiopian community without representation on the Likud list. This raises concerns for Netanyahu and the party about losing Ethiopian votes, while MK Pnina Tamano-Shata remains a key figure for the opposition among Ethiopian Israelis.

Two Teens Charged with Arson of Japnika Restaurant After Consulting ChatGPT on Fire Laws

Two 18-year-olds from Rehovot are charged with arson after setting fire to a Japnika restaurant in Givatayim. One suspect consulted ChatGPT about arson laws two weeks prior. Evidence includes security footage and phone data. The prosecution highlights public danger and seeks extended detention.

Israeli Military Plane Reroutes Over Morocco After Spain Denies Airspace Access

An Israeli military plane en route to Colombia was rerouted over Morocco after Spain denied it airspace access, involving the Home Front Command and Israeli defense and foreign ministries.

MK Elazar Stern Resigns After 11 Years in Knesset

Elazar Stern resigns from the Knesset after 11 years with Yesh Atid, having served as a minister and contributed to party achievements. Yair Lapid thanked him for his service and wished him well.

Zvehil Yeshiva Inauguration and Major Hasidic Events Mark Spiritual Expansion in Israel

The Zvehil Yeshiva in Beitar Illit held a major inauguration ceremony led by top Hasidic leaders, coinciding with multiple significant Hasidic commemorations and gatherings in Israel and abroad. These events included memorial meals, prayer rallies against military conscription, and visits by prominent rebbes to holy sites and communities, reflecting a period of spiritual growth and communal solidarity.

Former IDF General Elazar Stern Quits Yesh Atid and Knesset, Eyes Joining Gadi Eizenkot's Party

Elazar Stern, former IDF general and longtime Yesh Atid MK, announced his resignation from the party and Knesset after 11 years, with indications he may join Gadi Eizenkot's new party. Yair Lapid praised Stern's contributions and friendship. Stern emphasized respectful parting and future political cooperation possibilities.

Bnei Akiva Branch in Petah Tikva Dedicates New Torah Scroll to Murdered Youth Yimno Zalka

In Petah Tikva, the Bnei Akiva Malbas branch dedicated a new Torah scroll in memory of Yimno Benjamin Zalka, murdered on Independence Day night. Friends raised 90,000 shekels for the scroll, and the ceremony included a procession and speeches honoring Zalka's legacy. The murder, involving 16 suspects, sparked national concern over youth violence.

72-Year-Old Man Moderately Injured by Sharp Object in Herzliya Restaurant

A 72-year-old man was moderately injured by a sharp object in a Herzliya restaurant and was taken to Ichilov Hospital for treatment.

Israeli Police Urge Public Help to Find Missing 24-Year-Old Haredi Man Last Seen in Tiberias

Israeli police are searching for 24-year-old Keteriel Nachman Keinan, who disappeared Monday near Tiberias while traveling to Safed. He was last seen at 6 p.m. and has not been found since. Police urge the public to provide any information to aid the search.

Sanz Hasidic Community Opens First Small Yeshiva in Tiberias After 14 Years

The Sanz Hasidic community in Tiberias has opened its first small yeshiva 14 years after the community's founding, with about 30 students beginning studies. The yeshiva is temporarily housed while its permanent building is being prepared, and community leaders expressed strong support and hopes for its growth.

Ben Gurion Airport Faces Unprecedented Congestion with 90 Flights in Three Hours Before Sabbath

Ben Gurion Airport faced severe congestion on Friday with 90 flights in three hours, causing delays amid high summer travel, European airspace restrictions, and American refueling planes occupying key parking spots. Around 90,000 passengers are expected, and airport staff are working intensively to manage the situation.

Zvhil Hasidim Celebrate New 'Beit Mordechai' Yeshiva Building in Beitar Illit

The Zvhil Hasidic community inaugurated a new yeshiva building in Beitar Illit, led by the Zvhil Rebbe and Gaavad, with city rabbis and officials attending. The event included mezuzah affixing and blessings for the expanded Torah institution.

Trump Questions Netanyahu on Polls Amid Growing Political Distance and Election Pressure

At a recent White House meeting, Trump asked Netanyahu about his election poll standings, receiving an evasive response. Despite Netanyahu's aides assuring Trump of a lead, polls show otherwise, and Trump has withheld public support amid growing political differences. With elections approaching, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure as Trump’s Middle East agenda depends on stable Israeli leadership.

Psalm 27 Guides Spiritual Reflection Throughout Elul Month

Yossi Elitov explains how Psalm 27, recited twice daily during Elul, serves as a spiritual guide for introspection and renewal throughout the month in Jewish tradition.

Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Ambar Urges Fear of God to Overcome All Fears Ahead of High Holy Days

Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar called for deep spiritual reflection and fear of God during Elul to prepare for the High Holy Days, recalling historic examples of fear and contrasting them with indifference. He stressed that true fear arises from understanding and leads to spiritual growth and protection.

Kretshnif-Sighet Rebbes Unite to Mark First Yahrzeit of Their Father

The sons of the late Kretshnif-Sighet Rebbe united with thousands of Hasidim to mark his first yahrzeit with a memorial meal and prayers at his gravesite in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Naftali Wasserman Presents Daily Talmud Study on Chullin 106 in Three Languages

Rabbi Naftali Wasserman delivers a 10-minute Daf Yomi lesson on Chullin page 106 in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English, released on August 13, 2026.

Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe Visits Son's Community in Ramat Beit Shemesh D for Special Celebration

The Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe visited his son Rabbi Yoel Kahan's community in Ramat Beit Shemesh D for a special outdoor celebration, praising the community's fundraising for a new study hall and blessing his son. The event included a festive gathering and an unusual indoor prayer in a parking garage.

Israeli Defense Minister Orders Transfer of Civil Enforcement in West Bank to Police Amid Koseira Clashes

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to prepare a plan transferring all civil enforcement in the West Bank to the Israeli Police, following violent clashes in the Palestinian village of Koseira. The decision aims to separate military security duties from civilian law enforcement amid criticism of the IDF's delayed response to illegal settler outposts. An IDF investigation into the handling of the Koseira events is underway, and reinforcements have been deployed to the area.

Skulen-Lakewood Rebbe Visits Holy Sites and Rabbinic Homes in Israel

The Skulen-Lakewood Rebbe visited Israel, touring holy sites including the Temple Mount and meeting leading rabbis.

Israeli Police Find M-16 Hidden in Kindergarten Sandbox in Rahat

Israeli police arrested a man in Rahat after finding an M-16 rifle hidden in a kindergarten sandbox, following a shooting incident. The operation also uncovered ammunition and a pistol magazine, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms possession in the area.

Israel Confirms Negative Ebola Test for Suspected Case Returning from Congo

Israel's Ministry of Health confirmed a negative Ebola test for a person returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo who showed symptoms. The individual was isolated and treated in a specialized center, with no confirmed Ebola cases in Israel. The ministry continues to monitor the outbreak in Congo and Uganda and urges travelers to avoid affected areas and follow health guidelines.

IDF Confirms Killing of Hamas Platoon Commander Holding Seven Israeli Hostages

The IDF killed Hamas platoon commander Mohammad Bassam Mushtaha in northern Gaza on July 30. He held seven Israeli hostages and was involved in the October 7 massacre.

47-Year-Old Worker Injured in Fall from Height in Netivot

A 47-year-old worker fell about two meters while working in Netivot, suffering moderate injuries and was hospitalized with a back injury.

Defense Minister Katz Transfers Civil Enforcement in West Bank to Police to Focus IDF on Terror Threats

Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the IDF to transfer civil enforcement duties in the West Bank to the Israeli Police, enabling the military to focus on combating terrorism and protecting settlements. This shift supports the planned establishment of 104 new settlements and formalizes agricultural outposts, reinforcing governance and law enforcement in the region.